Photonics Layout Engineer

Job Title

Photonics Layout Engineer

Role Summary

Design and verify fabrication-ready layouts for integrated photonic components and larger photonic circuits. Work within the Photonics team to translate device and circuit requirements into robust physical layouts, perform verification (DRC/LVS), and improve internal layout automation and workflows.

This is a hands-on engineering role combining photonics, semiconductor layout and software; the role is based in the UK on a hybrid schedule (three days per week on site in Oxford).

Experience Level

Mid-level. Candidates typically have around two or more years of relevant experience in integrated photonics or IC layout and verification; more experienced candidates may be considered for senior assignment.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include physical layout, verification and tooling improvements for photonic designs.

• Develop physical layouts for photonic components and integrated designs.
• Translate device and circuit requirements into fabrication-ready layouts.
• Perform design verification including DRC and LVS and resolve verification issues.
• Support designs through the full layout and verification process.
• Develop and improve software-based workflows for layout and design automation.
• Use Python and EDA/layout tools to create, manipulate and verify layouts.
• Maintain and contribute to internal component and design libraries.
• Design and support test and characterization structures.
• Review layouts for fabrication constraints, design integrity and failure modes.
• Collaborate with photonic design, testing and wider engineering teams to improve methodology and tooling.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience to perform the role.

• Practical experience in integrated photonics, photonic IC layout, or semiconductor IC layout and verification.
• Hands-on experience creating physical layouts using Python or other layout/EDA tools.
• Strong programming skills (Python preferred) and the ability to explain prior coding projects in detail.
• Experience with design verification workflows (DRC, LVS) and resolving verification issues.
• Working knowledge of photonic IC design and fabrication flows and how layout decisions affect device performance.
• Attention to detail and strong critical thinking when reviewing layouts and verification results.
• Clear communication and a collaborative approach to work across multidisciplinary teams.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with Python-based layout automation and photonic or semiconductor EDA tools.
• Experience developing or maintaining component libraries or PDKs.
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes and fabrication technologies.
• Prior involvement in commercial product development or research groups focused on silicon photonics or semiconductor IC layout.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or a closely related technical discipline. Master’s degree or PhD in relevant fields is preferred for more senior roles. Equivalent practical industry or research experience will also be considered.

About the Company

Company: Salience Labs

Headquarters: Oxford, United Kingdom

Salience Labs develops integrated photonics technologies and solutions, focusing on experimental characterisation, device development and engineering for advanced optical and photonic systems. They work across photonic design, manufacturing and system testing, supporting R&D and product development.